Golfer Diksha Dagar leaves for Tokyo after last-minute Olympic entry

Tokyo: Indian golfer Diksha Dagar, who has qualified for the Olympics following a last-minute withdrawal, left for Tokyo on Saturday, hoping to make the opportunity count.

India’s golf challenge at the ongoing Olympics got a boost with Diksha being given a late entry into the women’s golf competition beginning August 4.

“Representing my Country in Asian Games and Olympics is a dream for me. I want to win a medal for my Country, will keep working on that,” Diksha told PTI before departing for the Japanese capital.

Diksha, who was among the reserves when the list was finalised earlier in the month, was conveyed the news by the International Golf Federation through the Indian Golf Union (IGU).

Before the news came in, Diksha was entered and scheduled to play the ISPS Handa Invitational in Ireland.

“I am happy that I could Qualify inspite of the hardships and travel restrictions on Indians due to COVID,” said the left-handed Diksha, who will be participating in her first Olympics.

She will join Aditi Ashok, in the team. Aditi is playing her second Olympics.

Diksha, who was born with a hearing impairment, will now have the unique honour of having represented India at both the Deaf Olympics in 2017, where she finished second for a silver medal.

Diksha, on her part, thanked the Indian Army, the Sports Authority of India and Ministry of External Affairs for their support.